Raleigh man gets 21 years in prison for armed robbery spree

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Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh man who pleaded guilty in January to robbing several people on a crime spree last year in Wake County was sentenced Wednesday to 21 to 30 years in prison.

Walter Kevin Johnson, 30, of 6124 Briarwood Court, was charged with more than two dozen crimes that happened between Sept. 22 and Oct. 8, 2013, in Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs and Wake Forest. The charges included nine counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon, three counts of first-degree kidnapping and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In several of the robberies, Johnson approached his victims and used a handgun to rob them of money and personal belongings. Authorities say he also forced some of them to drive to ATMs to withdraw cash.

Raleigh police arrested Johnson during a traffic stop on Oct. 11, 2013, after a woman called 911 with suspicions that her husband might have been involved in the crimes, which were widely reported in the news.

Johnson apologized at his sentencing Wednesday and asked the court for mercy.

"I take full responsibility for the crimes I have committed, and I hope to bring some type of closure to the victims," he said. "The victims in this case are good people, and I invaded their lives with utter disregard. Please forgive me."

Matt Faucette, Johnson's attorney, said in January that his client had recently become a new father and had been struggling financially at the time of the robbery spree.

"I made all the wrong choices for all the right reasons," Johnson said Wednesday. "Out of sheer panic and desperation, I failed miserably. I didn't mean what I did, and I'd do anything to take it all back."

Several victims were in the courtroom Wednesday, and they all asked Superior Court Judge Eileen Bushfan to give Johnson the maximum sentence of nearly 160 years.

Once victim told the court that she was forced to move, buy a new a car and change banks after Johnson robbed her on Sept. 22, 2013.

"I had to break my lease. I no longer live alone. I don't like driving at night, and I won't walk to my car alone – one year later," she said. "I'm not the one who committed the crime, but I'm the one who had to pay. I lost my independence, I lost my security, and I lost my confidence. I ask this court to take away his independence."

Another woman, who was robbed at gunpoint in her home, said she was nervous to be in the same room with him.

"I will never be the same person. I was afraid to leave my home, and my husband and I slept with a loaded gun," she said. "We had a few cameras and lights on our home before this. Now, we have 14 cameras and lights, a German shepherd guard dog, and I'm in the process of getting a concealed carry permit."

She continued: "I hope Walter Johnson is truly sorry for the terrible crimes he has committed, but it doesn't change what he's done to us."

Kathy SandersNov 20, 2014

He deserved a longer sentence.

Djofraleigh AndersonNov 20, 2014

He got about a year per crime. He's served a year in jail already. Would be helpful to tell us the earliest he could be on the street again. My guess is he will serve 40% of it, getting out when he is 41, in 2024. I think he can earn up to 6 days a month off for good behavior and working. Why not report more than 21 - 30 years? I think this particular man should have gotten the maximum considering the deliberate terror he evoked in his victims, which he seemed to have gotten sadistic pleasure from.

CAPITALPUNNov 20, 2014

He got more time than most murderers in this wonderful world we live in today. They normally only get 7-10.

hppyhourheroNov 20, 2014

He'll be out in less than 10 years....firing guns in hotel rooms no less....Should have given him the max...160 years!!!

notexactlyNov 20, 2014

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He got exactly what he deserved.

— Posted by 678devilish

Maybe but he should have got more time for that many counts. Max is 160 years he should have got at least half of that. With only 21 years he will be out in less than 10, possibly at it again cause now he wont be able to get a job and he will blame others again. Hench the cycle of the criminal irresponsible people continues. Our courts are to lax. Punishment should be way more than it is now. To many judges buying into the victim games. This guy knew exactly what he was doing and was just to lazy to do the hard work it takes to raise a family on your own. Sad times we are in, when the true victims get dumped on by the courts.

bmac813Nov 20, 2014

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good job to the police and courts!!

— Posted by curiousinralnc

No His Wife turned him In. Good for her.I just hope Barber doesn't start protesting.

THDNov 20, 2014

Right on. Good to see nobody bought his whining and sob story

USMC VetNov 19, 2014

How does someone get 21 years for first degree kidnapping???For the terror he caused these women, not knowing if they were going to be raped or murdered before he left them, he should have received a life sentence with no possibility of parole.But we know crimes against women aren't as serious as other crimes are. pfffttt

lucybear06Nov 19, 2014

Powerful statements from the victims. Sometimes it's easy to forget the lasting effect of this sort of crime. I hope this will bring some comfort to them.